Centrifugal pump apparatus

ABSTRACT

This centrifugal blood pump apparatus includes an impeller provided in a blood chamber, a permanent magnet provided in one surface of the impeller, and a permanent magnet provided in an inner wall of the blood chamber, for attracting the permanent magnet. A centerline of the permanent magnet is arranged at a position different from that of a centerline of a sidewall of the blood chamber such that a rotation centerline of the impeller matches the centerline of the sidewall of the blood chamber during pump operation. Therefore, high torque transmission efficiency is obtained.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a centrifugal pump apparatus, and particularly to a centrifugal pump apparatus including an impeller for delivering liquid by centrifugal force during rotation.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a centrifugal blood pump apparatus in which driving torque from an external motor is transmitted to an impeller in a blood chamber through magnetic coupling has increasingly been used as a blood circulation apparatus of an artificial heart-lung machine. According to such a centrifugal blood pump apparatus, physical contact between the blood chamber and the outside can be eliminated, thus preventing invasion of bacteria and the like into blood.

A centrifugal blood pump in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-209240 (PTL 1) includes a housing having first to third chambers partitioned from one another by first and second diaphragms, an impeller rotatably provided in the second chamber (blood chamber), a magnetic element provided in one surface of the impeller, an electromagnet provided in the first chamber to face the one surface of the impeller, a permanent magnet provided in the other surface of the impeller, a rotor and a motor provided in the third chamber, and a permanent magnet provided in the rotor to face the other surface of the impeller. A groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed in a surface of the second diaphragm facing the other surface of the impeller. Owing to attractive force acting on the one surface of the impeller from the electromagnet, attractive force acting on the other surface of the impeller from the permanent magnet in the rotor, and a hydrodynamic bearing effect of the grooves for hydrodynamic bearing, the impeller moves away from an inner surface of the second chamber and rotates without contacting.

A centrifugal blood pump in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-167173 (PTL 2) includes a housing having first to third chambers partitioned from one another by first and second diaphragms, an impeller rotatably provided in the second chamber (blood chamber), a magnetic element provided in one surface of the impeller, a first permanent magnet provided in the first chamber to face the one surface of the impeller, a second permanent magnet provided in the other surface of the impeller, a rotor and a motor provided in the third chamber, and a third permanent magnet provided in the rotor to face the other surface of the impeller. A first hydrodynamic bearing is formed in a surface of the first diaphragm facing the one surface of the impeller, and a second groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed in a surface of the second diaphragm facing the other surface of the impeller. Owing to attractive force acting on the one surface of the impeller from the first permanent magnet, attractive force acting on the other surface of the impeller from the third permanent magnet in the rotor, and a hydrodynamic bearing effect of the first and second grooves for hydrodynamic bearing, the impeller moves away from an inner surface of the second chamber and rotates without contacting.

A turbo-type pump in FIGS. 8 and 9 of Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 4-91396 (PTL 3) includes a housing, an impeller rotatably provided in the housing, a first permanent magnet provided in one surface of the impeller, a rotor provided outside the housing, a second permanent magnet provided in the rotor to face the one surface of the impeller, a third permanent magnet provided in the other surface of the impeller, and a magnetic element provided in the housing to face the other surface of the impeller. A first groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed in the one surface of the impeller, and a second groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed in the other surface of the impeller. Owing to attractive force acting on the one surface of the impeller from the second permanent magnet in the rotor, attractive force acting on the other surface of the impeller from the magnetic element in the housing, and a hydrodynamic bearing effect of the first and second grooves for hydrodynamic bearing, the impeller moves away from an inner surface of the housing and rotates without contacting.

A clean pump in Japanese Utility Model Laying-Open No. 6-53790 (PTL 4) includes a casing, an impeller rotatably provided in the casing, a first permanent magnet provided in one surface of the impeller, a rotor provided outside the casing, a second permanent magnet provided in the rotor to face the one surface of the impeller, a magnetic element provided in the other surface of the impeller, and an electromagnet provided outside a housing to face the other surface of the impeller. A groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed in the one surface of the impeller.

The electromagnet is actuated when a rotation speed of the impeller is lower than a prescribed rotation speed, and power supply to the electromagnet is stopped when the rotation speed of the impeller becomes higher than the prescribed rotation speed. Owing to attractive force acting on the one surface of the impeller from the second permanent magnet in the rotor and a hydrodynamic bearing effect of the groove for hydrodynamic bearing, the impeller moves away from an inner surface of the housing and rotates without contacting.

Furthermore, in a centrifugal blood pump in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-89972 (PTL 5), a rotation centerline of a rotor is arranged at a position different from that of a centerline of a second chamber such that a rotation centerline of an impeller matches the centerline of the second chamber during rotation of the impeller in the centrifugal blood pump in PTL 2.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-209240 -   PTL 2: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-167173 -   PTL 3: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 4-91396 -   PTL 4: Japanese Utility Model Laying-Open No. 6-53790 -   PTL 5: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-89972

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The pumps in PTLs 1 to 5 described above are common in the feature of axially (in a direction of a rotation axis of the impeller) supporting the impeller by the grooves for hydrodynamic bearing formed in a portion where the impeller and the housing face each other and radially (in a direction of a radius of the impeller) supporting the impeller by the attractive force between the permanent magnet provided in the impeller and the peimanent magnet provided outside the housing.

In such a centrifugal pump apparatus, when rigidity for supporting the impeller (force required for moving the impeller by a unit length) is low, the impeller comes in contact with the inner wall of the blood chamber by application of vibration (accelerated vibration) involved with a user's operation. Therefore, supporting rigidity sufficiently high in each of the axial direction and the radial direction is required.

In order to increase rigidity for supporting the impeller, magnetic coupling force between the permanent magnet in the impeller and the permanent magnet on the housing side should only be increased. It is not easy, however, to increase that magnetic coupling force. Namely, in a hydrodynamic bearing type centrifugal pump apparatus, initially, a flow rate, a pump head (pressure), and a minimum value of an interval between the blood chamber and the impeller are provided as the specifications. Then, a diameter of the impeller determines a rotation speed and a dimension of a groove for hydrodynamic bearing.

When the dimension of the groove for hydrodynamic bearing, the diameter of the impeller, the rotation speed, and the interval between the blood chamber and the impeller are determined, a load capacity is determined and hence magnetic coupling force balanced therewith is determined. When magnetic coupling force is determined, rigidity for supporting the impeller is also determined. Therefore, though it is necessary to increase the load capacity in order to increase rigidity for supporting the impeller, increase in the load capacity is limited, because the load capacity is dependent on viscosity of blood, a rotation speed of the impeller, a dimension of a groove for hydrodynamic bearing, and an interval between the blood chamber and the impeller.

In the centrifugal blood pump in PTL 5, the rotation centerline of the impeller matches the centerline of the second chamber, and thus, the load capacity can be increased. In this centrifugal pump, however, the impeller is rotated, with the rotation centerline of the rotor being arranged at a position different from that of the rotation centerline of the impeller. Therefore, the torque transmission efficiency (motor efficiency) may decrease.

In view of the above, a main object of the present invention is to provide a centrifugal pump apparatus having high torque transmission efficiency and high rigidity for supporting the impeller.

Solution to Problem

A centrifugal pump apparatus according to the present invention is a centrifugal pump apparatus including a housing having first and second chambers partitioned from each other by a diaphragm, an impeller rotatably provided in the first chamber along the diaphragm, for delivering liquid by centrifugal force during rotation, and a drive unit provided in the second chamber for driving the impeller to rotate with the diaphragm being interposed, including: a first magnetic element provided in one surface of the impeller; a second magnetic element provided in an inner wall of the first chamber facing the one surface of the impeller, for attracting the first magnetic element; and a third magnetic element provided in the other surface of the impeller and attracted by the drive unit. During rotation of the impeller, first attractive force acting on between the first and second magnetic elements and second attractive force acting on between the third magnetic element and the drive unit are balanced with each other substantially in a center of a movable range of the impeller in the first chamber. A first groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed in one surface of the impeller or in the inner wall of the first chamber facing the one surface and a second groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed in the other surface of the impeller or in the diaphragm facing the other surface. A sidewall of the first chamber facing a side surface of the impeller is formed cylindrically. A centerline of the second magnetic element is arranged at a position different from that of a centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber such that a rotation centerline of the impeller matches the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber during rotation of the impeller. Therefore, since the first and second attractive forces are balanced with each other and the first and second grooves for hydrodynamic bearing are provided, rigidity for supporting the impeller in the axial direction can be increased. In addition, since the rotation centerline of the impeller matches the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber during rotation of the impeller, high torque transmission efficiency can be obtained.

Preferably, when the centerline of the second magnetic element matches the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber, the rotation centerline of the impeller moves in a prescribed direction by a prescribed distance from the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber during rotation of the impeller. The centerline of the second magnetic element is arranged at a position distant in a direction opposite to the prescribed direction by the prescribed distance from the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber.

Further preferably, the centrifugal pump apparatus further includes a liquid outlet port provided to extend in a tangential direction of the sidewall of the first chamber, for allowing the liquid to flow outside the housing from an opening provided in the sidewall of the first chamber. When the centerline of the second magnetic element matches the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber, the rotation centerline of the impeller moves in a direction of the opening during rotation of the impeller. The centerline of the second magnetic element is arranged on a side opposite to the opening when viewed from the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber.

Further preferably, assuming that a direction of an end of the opening on an upstream side when viewed from the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber is defined as 0 degree and an opposite direction is defined as 180 degrees, the centerline of the second magnetic element is arranged within a range of 135 degrees to 225 degrees.

Further preferably, the drive unit includes a plurality of coils provided to face the third magnetic element, for generating rotating magnetic field, and a centerline of the rotating magnetic field matches the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber.

Further preferably, the drive unit includes a plurality of fourth magnetic elements provided to face the third magnetic element, and a plurality of coils wound around the plurality of fourth magnetic elements, for generating rotating magnetic field, and a centerline of the rotating magnetic field matches the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber.

Further preferably, the drive unit includes a rotor rotatably provided along the diaphragm in the second chamber, a fourth magnetic element provided in the rotor to face the third magnetic element, for attracting the third magnetic element, and a motor for rotating the rotor, and a centerline of the rotor matches the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber.

Further preferably, at least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element includes a plurality of first sub magnetic elements aligned annularly.

Further preferably, each of the first and second magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, each of the plurality of first sub magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, and N poles of the plurality of first sub magnetic elements are oriented in a same direction.

Further preferably, at least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element includes a plurality of annular second sub magnetic elements having diameters different from one another.

Further preferably, centerlines of the plurality of second sub magnetic elements match with one another.

Further preferably, each of the first and second magnetic elements includes the plurality of second sub magnetic elements, each of the plurality of second sub magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, and N poles of the plurality of second sub magnetic elements adjacent in a radial direction of the impeller are oriented in a same direction.

Further preferably, a sum of a distance between the centerline of the second magnetic element and the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber and ½ of a movable distance of the impeller in the radial direction in the first chamber is smaller than ½ of an interval between two adjacent second sub magnetic elements.

Further preferably, each of the first and second magnetic elements includes the plurality of second sub magnetic elements, each of the plurality of second sub magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, and N poles of two second sub magnetic elements adjacent in a radial direction of the impeller are oriented in different directions.

Further preferably, a sum of a distance between the centerline of the second magnetic element and the centerline of the sidewall of the first chamber and ½ of a movable distance of the impeller in the radial direction in the first chamber is smaller than an interval between two adjacent second sub magnetic elements.

Further preferably, the liquid is blood and the centrifugal pump apparatus is used for circulating the blood. In this case, the impeller is smoothly activated to rotate and a distance between the impeller and the housing is secured, thereby preventing occurrence of hemolysis.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present invention, rigidity of the impeller can be increased, and mechanical contact between the impeller and the housing can be decreased, and the impeller can be levitated in a stable manner. In addition, the torque transmission efficiency from the drive unit to the impeller can be increased, and the energy efficiency of the apparatus can be increased. In addition, hemolysis can be avoided in blood circulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a pump unit of a centrifugal blood pump apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pump unit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a permanent magnet shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing relation between a rotation speed of an impeller and an amount of radial movement of the impeller.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing relation between an amount of radial movement of the impeller and radial rigidity in magnetic coupling.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing relation between an amount of radial movement of the impeller and maximum torque in magnetic coupling.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a rotation speed of the impeller and radial displacement of a rotation centerline of the impeller.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing positional relation between a centerline of a sidewall of a blood chamber and a centerline of the permanent magnet.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the impeller has been removed from the cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the impeller has been removed from a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 is a time chart illustrating voltages applied to a plurality of coils shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing relation between a levitation position of the impeller and force acting on the impeller.

FIG. 16 is another diagram showing relation between a levitation position of the impeller and force acting on the impeller.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller for controlling the pump unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 16.

FIG. 18 is a time chart showing the operation of the controller shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a modification of this embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a time chart showing another modification of this embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing yet another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing relation between an amount of eccentricity in a centerline of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and a centerline of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and radial returning force of impeller 10.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a pump unit of a centrifugal blood pump apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pump unit 1 of a centrifugal blood pump apparatus according to a first embodiment includes a housing 2 made of a nonmagnetic material. Housing 2 includes a cylindrical body portion 3, a cylindrical blood inlet port 4 provided to stand at a center of one end surface of body portion 3, and a cylindrical blood outlet port 5 provided on an outer circumferential surface of body portion 3. Blood outlet port 5 extends in a tangential direction of the outer circumferential surface of body portion 3.

In housing 2, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a blood chamber 7 and a motor chamber 8 partitioned from each other by a diaphragm 6 are provided. In blood chamber 7, a disc-shaped impeller 10 having a through hole 10 a in a center thereof is rotatably provided. Impeller 10 includes two shrouds 11, 12 in a doughnut plate shape, and a plurality of (e.g., six) vanes 13 formed between two shrouds 11 and 12. Shroud 11 is arranged on the blood inlet port 4 side and shroud 12 is arranged on the diaphragm 6 side. Shrouds 11, 12 and vanes 13 are made of a nonmagnetic material.

A plurality of (six in this case) blood passages 14 partitioned from one another by the plurality of vanes 13 are formed between two shrouds 11 and 12. As shown in FIG. 4, blood passage 14 is in communication with through hole 10 a in the center of impeller 10, and it extends with through hole 10 a in impeller 10 as a starting point to an outer circumference such that blood passage 14 gradually increases in width. In other words, vane 13 is formed between two adjacent blood passages 14. In this embodiment, the plurality of vanes 13 are formed at regular angular intervals, and they have the same shape. Thus, the plurality of blood passages 14 are provided at regular angular intervals and they have the same shape.

A sidewall of blood chamber 7 facing a side surface of impeller 10 is formed cylindrically and has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of impeller 10. An opening 7 a is provided in a part of the sidewall of blood chamber 7. Cylindrical blood outlet port 5 is coupled to opening 7 a. Blood outlet port 5 extends in the tangential direction of the cylindrical sidewall 7 of blood chamber 7 so as to allow smooth outflow of blood. When impeller 10 is driven to rotate, blood that has flowed in through blood inlet port 4 is delivered by centrifugal force from through hole 10 a to an outer circumferential portion of impeller 10 via blood passages 14 and it flows out through opening 7 a and blood outlet port 5 to the outside of housing 3.

Permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b are embedded in shroud 11 and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b for attracting permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b respectively are embedded in an inner wall of blood chamber 7 facing shroud 11. Permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b, 16 a, and 16 b are provided to attract (in other words, bias) impeller 10 to the side opposite to motor chamber 8, that is, toward blood inlet port 4. When impeller 10 is rotated, impeller 10 is attracted to the opening 7 a side. Therefore, in order to attract (in other words, bias) impeller 10 to the side opposite to opening 7 a, a centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is arranged on the side opposite to opening 7 a when viewed from a centerline L1 of the inner wall of blood chamber 7.

FIGS. 5( a) and (b) are diagrams showing a structure of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b, 16 a, and 16 b and FIG. 5( a) is a cross-sectional view along the line VA-VA in FIG. 5(b). FIGS. 5 (a) and (b) show a state where impeller 10 is not rotated and permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b are attracted to permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b. In this state, a centerline of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b (i.e., centerline of impeller 10) L3 matches centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b.

As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and (b), each of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b is formed annularly, and an outer diameter of permanent magnet 15 a is smaller than an inner diameter of permanent magnet 15 b. Permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b are coaxially provided, and central points of respective permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b are both arranged on a rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10. The N-poles of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b are oriented in the same direction.

On the other hand, each of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is formed in an arc shape, and two permanent magnets are aligned in a direction of rotation of impeller 10. An outer diameter and an inner diameter of two permanent magnets 16 a arranged annularly are the same as the outer diameter and the inner diameter of permanent magnet 15 a, respectively. An outer diameter and an inner diameter of two permanent magnets 16 b arranged annularly are the same as the outer diameter and the inner diameter of permanent magnet 15 b, respectively. The N-poles of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b are oriented in the same direction. The S-poles of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b face the N-poles of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b. Centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is distant from centerline L1 of the inner wall of blood chamber 7 by a prescribed distance R.

Detailed description will now be given to a reason why centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is distant from centerline L1 of the inner wall of blood chamber 7. When unbalance in pressure in blood chamber 7 is caused in a pump apparatus that does not substantially include a volute, like this centrifugal blood pump apparatus, impeller 10 moves in the radial direction in accordance with the pressure balance in blood chamber 7. Specifically, rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 moves toward opening 7 a, which is a low pressure portion in blood chamber 7.

As shown in FIG. 6, as a discharge flow rate from the pump apparatus increases, unbalance in pressure in blood chamber 7 increases and an amount of radial movement of impeller 10 increases. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, as the amount of radial movement of impeller 10 increases, radial rigidity in magnetic coupling decreases. Therefore, in such a situation that rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 does not match centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7, a position of impeller 10 fluctuates due to reception of small disturbance in the radial direction, and the sidewall of blood chamber 7 may come in contact with the side surface of impeller 10. Even when the sidewall of blood chamber 7 does not come in contact with the side surface of impeller 10, hemolysis, which is breakdown of erythrocyte in blood, may also occur at a portion where a gap therebetween has become narrower.

Since the pressure gradient is large and the pressure is low at opening 7 a and its surrounding region, impeller 10 is attracted to opening 7 a as impeller 10 comes closer to opening 7 a. On the other hand, axis torque for providing the hydro-energy from impeller 10 to blood acts on impeller 10 as load during pump operation, and the axis torque increases with increase in rotation speed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, as the amount of radial movement of impeller 10 increases, maximum transmission torque in magnetic coupling decreases. Therefore, loss of coupling may occur when the maximum transmission torque in magnetic coupling becomes smaller than the axis torque acting on impeller 10.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing relation between a discharge flow rate from the pump apparatus and a movement direction and an amount of movement of rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 in the centrifugal blood pump apparatus where centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 matches centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b. In FIG. 9, centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 and centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b are arranged at the origin point and a direction of an end of opening 7 a on the upstream side is defined as the Y direction. It can be seen from this FIG. 9 that rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 moves to be attracted toward the end of opening 7 a on the upstream side, as the discharge flow rate increases.

Accordingly, in the present invention, centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is arranged on the side opposite to opening 7 a when viewed from centerline L1 of the inner wall of blood chamber 7, such that rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 matches centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 when impeller 10 is rotated at a rated rotation speed, and impeller 10 is attracted (in other words, biased) to the side opposite to opening 7 a. Interval R between centerlines L1 and L2 is set depending on operation conditions. In other words, an amount of displacement may be read from FIG. 9 based on the discharge flow rate when impeller 10 is rotated at a rated rotation speed, and interval R between centerlines L1 and L2 may be set to this amount of displacement. The interval (an amount of eccentricity) between centerlines L1 and L2 varies depending on the pump size and the like, and the interval of 0.1 to 1.0 mm is suitable. As a result, when impeller 10 is rotated at a rated rotation speed, rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 matches centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing positional relation between centerline L1 of the inner wall of blood chamber 7 and centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b. In FIG. 10, housing 2 is cut in a plane orthogonal to centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 and including a centerline of a hole in blood outlet port 5. The sidewall of blood chamber 7 is formed along a circle C on this plane. A central point of circle C is an intersection point of this plane and centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7. The hole in blood outlet port 5 extends in the tangential direction of circle C. In FIG. 10, impeller 10 rotates in a direction of rotation of clock hands and blood also rotates in this direction. A contact point P between the hole in blood outlet port 5 and circle C is located at an end of opening 7 a on the upstream side (the left side in FIG. 10) in the sidewall of blood chamber 7.

Assuming that a direction of contact point P (the end of opening 7 a on the upstream side) is defined as 0 degree and the opposite direction is defined as 180 degrees when viewed from the central point of circle C (centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7), centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is arranged at a position displaced from the central point of circle C in the direction of 180 degrees by prescribed amount of eccentricity R.

Movement characteristics of impeller 10 in the radial direction during pump operation vary depending on an area, a shape and the like of opening 7 a. Therefore, the position of centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is not necessarily limited to the direction of 180 degrees from the central point of circle C. The position of centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is preferably within the range of 180 degrees±45 degrees (i.e., 135 degrees to 225 degrees) from the central point of circle C.

As shown in FIG. 3, when an interval between permanent magnets 15 a and 15 b (i.e., interval between permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b) is expressed as D1 and ½ of a movable distance of impeller 10 in the radial direction (i.e., distance of a difference between the inner diameter of blood chamber 7 and the outer diameter of impeller 10) is expressed as D2, relation of 0.5×D1>D2+R is satisfied. This is because, when impeller 10 moves in the radial direction to a maximum extent while relation of 0.5×D1<D2+R is satisfied, permanent magnets 15 a and 16 b interfere with each other and permanent magnets 15 b and 16 a interfere with each other and hence returning force for returning impeller 10 to a central position of the pump becomes unstable.

Since two pairs of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 a and permanent magnets 15 b and 16 b are thus provided in the radial direction of impeller 10, rigidity for supporting impeller 10 in the radial direction can be increased as compared with a case where only a pair of pet anent magnets is provided in the radial direction of impeller 10.

Instead of providing permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b in shroud 11 and the inner wall of blood chamber 7, respectively, a permanent magnet may be provided in one of shroud 11 and the inner wall of blood chamber 7, and a magnetic element may be provided in the other. Either a soft magnetic element or a hard magnetic element may be used as the magnetic element.

Though FIG. 3 shows a case where opposing surfaces of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 a are identical in size and opposing surfaces of permanent magnets 15 b and 16 b are identical in size, in order to prevent lowering in rigidity of impeller 10 due to attractive force of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, opposing surfaces of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 a may be different in size from each other and opposing surfaces of permanent magnets 15 b and 16 b may be different in size from each other. By differing the size of the opposing surfaces of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, an amount of change in attractive force, that is, negative rigidity, which varies depending on a distance therebetween, can be suppressed to be small and lowering in rigidity for supporting impeller 10 can be prevented.

In FIGS. 5 (a) and (b), each of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b is annularly formed, and each of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is formed in an arc shape and two of the permanent magnets are aligned at regular angular intervals in a direction of rotation of impeller 10. In contrast, however, each of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b may be formed annularly, and each of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b may be formed in an arc shape and two of the permanent magnets may be aligned at regular angular intervals in a direction of rotation of impeller 10. Alternatively, each of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b or each of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b may be formed in a shorter arc shape and a plurality of the permanent magnets may be aligned at regular angular intervals in a direction of rotation of impeller 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of (e.g., eight) permanent magnets 17 are embedded in shroud 12. The plurality of permanent magnets 17 are arranged at regular angular intervals along the same circle such that adjacent magnetic polarities thereof are different from each other. In other words, permanent magnet 17 having the N-pole toward motor chamber 8 and permanent magnet 17 having the S-pole toward motor chamber 8 are alternately arranged at regular angular intervals along the same circle.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, a plurality of (e.g., nine) magnetic elements 18 are provided in motor chamber 8. The plurality of magnetic elements 18 are arranged at regular angular intervals along the same circle to face the plurality of permanent magnets 17 in impeller 10. A base end of each of the plurality of magnetic elements 18 is joined to one disc-shaped yoke 19. A coil 20 is wound around each magnetic element 18.

Voltages are applied to nine coils 20 in a power distribution system shifted by 120 degrees, for example. That is, nine coils 20 are divided into groups each including three coils. Voltages VU, VV and VW as shown in FIG. 14 are applied to first to third coils 20 of each group, respectively. To first coil 20, a positive voltage is applied during a period of 0 to 120 degrees, 0 V is applied during a period of 120 to 180 degrees, a negative voltage is applied during a period of 180 to 300 degrees, and 0 V is applied during a period of 300 to 360 degrees. Accordingly, a tip surface of magnetic element 18 having first coil 20 wound therearound (end surface on the impeller 10 side) becomes the N-pole during the period of 0 to 120 degrees and becomes the S-pole during the period of 180 to 300 degrees. Voltage VV is delayed in phase from voltage VU by 120 degrees, and voltage VW is delayed in phase from voltage VV by 120 degrees. Thus, rotating magnetic field can be foimed by applying voltages VU, VV and VW to first to third coils 20, respectively, so that impeller 10 can be rotated by attractive force and repulsion force between the plurality of magnetic elements 18 and the plurality of permanent magnets 17 in impeller 10.

When impeller 10 is rotating at a rated rotation speed, attractive force between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force between the plurality of permanent magnets 17 and the plurality of magnetic elements 18 are set to be balanced with each other substantially around a center of a movable range of impeller 10 in blood chamber 7 in a direction of the impeller rotation axis. Thus, force acting on impeller 10 due to the attractive force is very small throughout the movable range of impeller 10. Consequently, frictional resistance during relative slide between impeller 10 and housing 2 which occurs when impeller 10 is activated to rotate can be lowered. In addition, a surface of impeller 10 and a surface of an inner wall of housing 2 are not damaged (no projections and recesses in the surfaces) during the relative slide, and moreover, impeller 10 is readily levitated from housing 2 without contacting even when hydrodynamic pressure is low during low-speed rotation. Accordingly, occurrence of hemolysis due to the relative slide between impeller 10 and housing 2 or occurrence of thrombus due to small damage (projections and recesses) to the surfaces which occurs during the relative slide is avoided.

Centerline L3 of the plurality of permanent magnets 17, centerline L3 of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b, and rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 match with one another. In addition, a centerline of the rotating magnetic field generated by the plurality of coils 20 matches centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7.

A plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 are formed in a surface of diaphragm 6 facing shroud 12 of impeller 10, and a plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 are formed in the inner wall of blood chamber 7 facing shroud 11. When a rotation speed of impeller 10 becomes higher than a prescribed rotation speed, a hydrodynamic bearing effect is produced between each of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 and impeller 10. As a result, drag is generated on impeller 10 from each of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22, causing impeller 10 to rotate without contacting in blood chamber 7.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 are each formed with a size corresponding to shroud 12 of impeller 10. Each of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 has one end on an edge (circumference) of a circular portion slightly distant from a center of diaphragm 6, and extends spirally (in other words, in a curved manner) toward a portion near an outer edge of diaphragm 6 such that groove for hydrodynamic bearing 21 gradually increases in width. The plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 have substantially the same shape, and they are arranged at substantially regular intervals. Groove for hydrodynamic bearing 21 is a concave portion, and it preferably has a depth of about 0.005 to 0.4 mm. It is preferable that about 6 to 36 grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 be provided.

In FIG. 11, ten grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 are arranged equiangularly with respect to a central axis of impeller 10. Since groove for hydrodynamic bearing 21 has a so-called inward spiral groove shape, clockwise rotation of impeller 10 causes increase in liquid pressure from an outer diameter portion toward an inner diameter portion of groove for hydrodynamic bearing 21. As a result, repulsion force is generated between impeller 10 and diaphragm 6 and it acts as hydrodynamic pressure.

In this manner, owing to the hydrodynamic bearing effect produced between impeller 10 and the plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, impeller 10 moves away from diaphragm 6 and rotates without contacting. Accordingly, a blood flow path is secured between impeller 10 and diaphragm 6, thus preventing occurrence of blood accumulation therebetween and the resultant thrombus. Further, in a normal state, grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 perform a stirring function between impeller 10 and diaphragm 6, thus preventing occurrence of partial blood accumulation therebetween.

Instead of providing grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 in diaphragm 6, grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 may be provided in a surface of shroud 12 of impeller 10.

It is preferable that a corner portion of groove for hydrodynamic bearing 21 be rounded to have R of at least 0.05 mm. As a result, occurrence of hemolysis can further be lessened.

As with the plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, as shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 are formed with a size corresponding to shroud 11 of impeller 10. Each of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 has one end on the edge (circumference) of the circular portion slightly distant from the center of the inner wall of blood chamber 7, and extends spirally (in other words, in a curved manner) toward the portion near the outer edge of the inner wall of blood chamber 7 such that groove for hydrodynamic bearing 22 gradually increases in width. The plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 have substantially the same shape and they are arranged at substantially regular intervals. Groove for hydrodynamic bearing 22 is a concave portion and it preferably has a depth of about 0.005 to 0.4 mm. It is preferable that about 6 to 36 grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 be provided. In FIG. 12, ten grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 are equiangularly arranged with respect to the central axis of impeller 10.

Owing to the hydrodynamic bearing effect produced between impeller 10 and the plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22, impeller 10 moves away from the inner wall of blood chamber 7 and rotates without contacting. In addition, when pump unit 1 is subjected to external impact or when the hydrodynamic pressure generated by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 becomes excessive, impeller 10 can be prevented from being in close contact with the inner wall of blood chamber 7. The hydrodynamic pressure generated by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 may be different from the hydrodynamic pressure generated by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22.

Grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 may be provided in a surface of shroud 11 of impeller 10, rather than on the inner surface side of blood chamber 7. It is preferable that a corner portion of groove for hydrodynamic bearing 22 be rounded to have R of at least 0.05 mm. As a result, occurrence of hemolysis can further be lessened.

It is preferable that impeller 10 rotate in a state where a gap between shroud 12 of impeller 10 and diaphragm 6 is substantially equal to a gap between shroud 11 of impeller 10 and the inner wall of blood chamber 7. If one of the gaps becomes narrower due to serious disturbance such as hydrodynamic force acting on impeller 10, it is preferable that grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 and 22 have different shapes, so that the hydrodynamic pressure generated by the grooves for hydrodynamic bearing on the narrower side becomes higher than the hydrodynamic pressure generated by the other grooves for hydrodynamic bearing to make the gaps substantially equal to each other.

While both of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 and 22 have the inward spiral groove shape in FIGS. 11 and 12, grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 and 22 having another shape may be used. Nevertheless, for blood circulation, it is preferable to employ grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 and 22 having the inward spiral groove shape that allows smooth flow of blood.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing forces acting on impeller 10 when magnitude of a resultant force of an attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b (abbreviated as between permanent magnets 15 and 16 in FIG. 15) and an attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 is adjusted to zero at a position P1 other than a central position of the movable range of impeller 10 in blood chamber 7. The rotation speed of impeller 10 is kept at a rated value.

Namely, it is assumed that attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is set to be smaller than attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 and a levitation position of impeller 10 where their resultant force becomes zero is on the diaphragm 6 side relative to the center of the movable range of the impeller. Grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 have the same shape.

A horizontal axis of FIG. 15 represents a position of impeller 10 (the left side in the figure being the diaphragm 6 side) and a vertical axis represents forces acting on impeller 10. Force acting on impeller 10 toward the diaphragm 6 side is expressed as a negative acting force. As the forces acting on impeller 10, attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18, a hydrodynamic pressure F3 generated by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, a hydrodynamic pressure F4 generated by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22, and “net force F5 acting on impeller,” which is their resultant force, are illustrated.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, at a position where net force F5 acting on impeller 10 becomes zero, the levitation position of impeller 10 is significantly deviated from the central position of the movable range of impeller 10. As a result, a distance between rotating impeller 10 and diaphragm 6 becomes narrower, and impeller 10 comes in contact with diaphragm 6 even by the action of small disturbance force on impeller 10.

In contrast, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing forces acting on impeller 10 when magnitude of the resultant force of attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 is adjusted to zero at a central position P0 of the movable range of impeller 10 in blood chamber 7. The rotation speed of impeller 10 is kept at the rated value also in this case.

Namely, attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 are set to be substantially equal to each other. In addition, grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 have the same shape. In this case, supporting rigidity with respect to the levitation position of impeller 10 becomes higher as compared with the case of FIG. 15. Since net force F5 acting on impeller 10 is zero at the center of the movable range, impeller 10 is levitated at the central position when disturbance force is not acting on impeller 10.

As such, a levitation position of impeller 10 is determined by balance among attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18, and hydrodynamic pressures F3, F4 generated by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 during rotation of impeller 10. By making F1 and F2 substantially equal to each other and by forming grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 in the same shape, impeller 10 can be levitated substantially in a central portion of blood chamber 7 during rotation of impeller 10. Since impeller 10 has such a shape that vanes are formed between two discs as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, two surfaces facing the inner wall of housing 2 can be formed to have the same shape and the same dimensions. Therefore, it is possible to provide grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 having a function to generate substantially the same hydrodynamic pressure on both sides of impeller 10.

In this case, impeller 10 is levitated at the central position of blood chamber 7 and thus held at a position farthest from the inner wall of housing 2. As a result, even if the levitation position of impeller 10 is changed due to application of disturbance force to levitated impeller 10, the possibility that impeller 10 is brought into contact with the inner wall of housing 2 is lowered, thus also lowering the possibility of occurrence of thrombus and hemolysis resulting from such contact.

While grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 have the same shape in the examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 may be different in shape and hydrodynamic pressure generating function from grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22. For example, when disturbance acts on impeller 10 always in one direction due to hydrodynamic force or the like during pumping, performance of a groove for hydrodynamic bearing in the disturbance direction may be made higher than performance of the other groove for hydrodynamic bearing, thereby levitating and rotating impeller 10 at the central position of housing 2. As a result, the probability of contact between impeller 10 and housing 2 can be lowered, thereby attaining stable levitation performance of impeller 10.

Furthermore, when an absolute value of a negative axial supporting rigidity value of impeller 10 which is constituted of attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 is expressed as Ka, an absolute value of a positive radial rigidity value is expressed as Kr, and an absolute value of a positive rigidity value obtained by two grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 in a normal rotation speed range where impeller 10 rotates is expressed as Kg, it is preferable that relation of Kg>Ka+Kr be satisfied.

Specifically, when absolute value Ka of the negative axial rigidity value is 20000 N/m and absolute value Kr of the positive radial rigidity value is 10000 N/m, absolute value Kg of the positive rigidity value obtained by two grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 in a rotation speed region where impeller 10 normally rotates is set to a value higher than 30000 N/m.

The axial supporting rigidity for impeller 10 is a value obtained by subtracting negative rigidity due to the attractive force between the magnetic elements and the like from rigidity resulting from the hydrodynamic pressure generated by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22. Thus, by satisfying relation of Kg>Ka+Kr, the axial supporting rigidity for impeller 10 can be made higher than the radial supporting rigidity. With such setting, movement of impeller 10 can be suppressed more in the axial direction than in the radial direction when disturbance force acts on impeller 10, thereby avoiding mechanical contact between impeller 10 and housing 2 in a portion where grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 are formed.

In particular, since grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 are provided as concave portions in planar surfaces as shown in FIGS. 3, 11 and 12, mechanical contact between housing 2 and impeller 10 in these portions during rotation of impeller 10 may result in damage to one or both of a surface of impeller 10 and a surface of the inner wall of housing 2 (projections and recesses in the surfaces), and blood passage through this portion may cause occurrence of thrombus and hemolysis. In order to prevent mechanical contact at grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 to suppress thrombus and hemolysis, it is effective to make the axial rigidity higher than the radial rigidity.

Whirl occurs in unbalanced impeller 10 during rotation, and this whirl is greatest when a natural frequency determined by the mass of impeller 10 and the supporting rigidity value of impeller 10 matches the rotation speed of impeller 10.

Since the radial supporting rigidity for impeller 10 is smaller than the axial supporting rigidity in pump unit 1, it is preferable to set a maximum rotation speed of impeller 10 to be equal to or lower than the radial natural frequency. Accordingly, in order to prevent mechanical contact between impeller 10 and housing 2, when a radial rigidity value of impeller 10 which is constituted of attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 is expressed as Kr (N/m), the mass of impeller 10 is expressed as m (kg), and the rotation speed of the impeller is expressed as ω (rad/s), it is preferable that relation of ω<(Kr/m)^(0.5) be satisfied.

Specifically, when the mass of impeller 10 is 0.03 kg and the radial rigidity value is 2000 N/m, the maximum rotation speed of impeller 10 is set to 258 rad/s (2465 rpm) or lower. Conversely, when the maximum rotation speed of impeller 10 is set to 366 rad/s (3500 rpm), the radial rigidity is set to 4018 N/m or higher.

It is further preferable to set the maximum rotation speed of impeller 10 to 80% or lower of this a). Specifically, when the mass of impeller 10 is 0.03 kg and the radial rigidity value is 2000 N/m, the maximum rotation speed is set to 206.4 rad/s (1971 rpm) or lower. Conversely, when it is desired to set the maximum rotation speed of impeller 10 to 366 rad/s (3500 rpm), the radial rigidity value is set to 6279 N/m or higher. By thus setting the maximum rotation speed of impeller 10, contact between rotating impeller 10 and housing 2 can be suppressed.

It is also preferable to check that impeller 10 is in contact with diaphragm 6 before activating impeller 10 to rotate, and to activate impeller 10 to rotate.

In other words, when impeller 10 is not rotating, noncontact supporting by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 is not achieved, and furthermore, impeller 10 is in contact with housing 2 at a high surface pressure owing to attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18. Activation torque is smaller when impeller 10 is rotated by magnetic interaction between coils 20 and magnetic element 18 in motor chamber 8 and permanent magnet 17 in impeller 10 as with pump unit 1 than when the impeller as shown in FIG. 3 of PTL 2 is driven to rotate by magnetic coupling between the permanent magnets. Therefore, it is difficult to smoothly activate impeller 10 to rotate.

Permanent magnet 17 in impeller 10 is, however, closer to magnetic element 18 in motor chamber 8 when shroud 12 of impeller 10 is in contact with diaphragm 6 than when shroud 11 of impeller 10 is in contact with the inner wall of blood chamber 7. Therefore, rotational torque during activation of impeller 10 can be increased and impeller 10 can be smoothly activated to rotate.

As described above, however, when impeller 10 is rotating, attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 are set to be balanced with each other around a center of the movable range of impeller 10. Therefore, when impeller 10 stops, impeller 10 is not necessarily in contact with diaphragm 6.

Accordingly, this centrifugal blood pump apparatus is provided with means for moving impeller 10 toward the diaphragm 6 side before activating impeller 10 to rotate. Specifically, a current is fed to the plurality of coils 20 such that attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 becomes large, and impeller 10 is moved toward the diaphragm 6 side.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller 25 for controlling pump unit 1. In FIG. 17, controller 25 includes a motor control circuit 26 and a power amplifier 27. Motor control circuit 26 outputs three-phase control signals in the power distribution system shifted by 120 degrees, for example. Power amplifier 27 amplifies the three-phase control signals from motor control circuit 26 and generates three-phase voltages VU, VV and VW shown in FIG. 14. Three-phase voltages VU, VV and VW are applied to first to third coils 20 described with reference to FIG. 13, respectively. As a result, during normal operation, impeller 10 rotates at a prescribed rotation speed at the central position of the movable range.

FIGS. 18 (a) to (c) are time charts showing temporal changes in a coil current I when activating impeller 10 to rotate, the position of impeller 10, and the rotation speed of impeller 10. Referring to FIGS. 18 (a) to (c), in an initial state, shroud 11 of impeller 10 is in contact with the inner wall of blood chamber 7 due to the attractive force between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, and impeller 10 is in a position PA. Since it is difficult to rotate impeller 10 in this state, impeller 10 is moved to a position PB where shroud 12 of impeller 10 is in contact with diaphragm 6.

At time t0, voltages VU, VV and VW of any one of the six patterns (0 to 60 degrees, 60 to 120 degrees, . . . , 300 to 360 degrees) shown in FIG. 14 are applied to first to third coils 20, respectively, and a predetermined current I0 is fed through coils 20. When current I0 is fed through coils 20, attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 becomes higher than attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, so that impeller 10 moves to position PB on the diaphragm 6 side with little rotation, causing shroud 12 of impeller 10 to be in contact with diaphragm 6. When impeller 10 moves to position PB, current I0 is cut off (time t1).

The reason for moving impeller 10 without rotating impeller 10 is that movement of rotating impeller 10 to position PB on the diaphragm 6 side is blocked by the hydrodynamic bearing effect of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21. In addition, it is preferable to provide a sensor for detecting a position of impeller 10 in blood chamber 7, and check to see that impeller 10 is in contact with diaphragm 6 before cutting off current I0.

Then, three-phase voltages VU, VV and VW are applied to first to third coils 20 described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively, and coil current I is gradually increased to a predetermined rated value. Here, impeller 10 is in contact with diaphragm 6, and thus smoothly rotates. With the increase in coil current I, impeller 10 moves from position PB on the diaphragm 6 side to the central position of the movable range.

When voltages VU, VV and VW of the six patterns (0 to 60 degrees, 60 to 120 degrees, . . . , 300 to 360 degrees) are applied to first to third coils 20 during activation, respectively, a pattern where the attractive force between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18 becomes maximum varies with positional relation between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18. Thus, instead of applying only voltages VU, VV and VW of the constant patterns to first to third coils 20 during activation, respectively, voltages VU, VV and VW of the six patterns may be successively applied to first to third coils 20 for a predetermined time. In this case, impeller 10 slightly rotates (strictly speaking, equal to or less than a quarter rotation, i.e., rotates equal to or smaller than 360 degrees in electrical angle), and moves to position PB on the diaphragm 6 side.

When voltages VU, VV and VW of the six patterns are applied, a current does not flow through one of first to third coils 20, six of nine magnetic elements 18 become the N-pole or the S-pole, and three remaining magnetic elements 18 do not generate a magnetic polarity. Thus, voltages that cause a current to flow through all of first to third coils 20 and each of nine magnetic elements 18 to become the N-pole or the S-pole may be applied to first to third coils 20, to increase the attractive force between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18.

In this first embodiment, attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is balanced with attractive force F2 between the plurality of permanent magnets 17 and the plurality of magnetic elements 18, and grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 are provided. Therefore, rigidity for supporting impeller 10 in the axial direction can be increased. In addition, since two pairs of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 a and permanent magnets 15 b and 16 b are provided in the radial direction of impeller 10, rigidity for supporting impeller 10 in the radial direction can be increased as compared with a case where only a pair of permanent magnets is provided in the radial direction of impeller 10. Therefore, mechanical contact between impeller 10 and housing 2 can be lessened and occurrence of hemolysis or thrombus can be prevented.

In addition, centerline L2 of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 a is arranged at a position different from that of centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 such that rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 matches centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 during rotation of impeller 10. Therefore, high torque transmission efficiency can be obtained.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, a power source is switched between during activation of impeller 10 for rotation and a subsequent time period. That is, referring to FIG. 19, in this modification, power amplifier 27 in FIG. 17 is replaced with power amplifiers 30, 31 and a switch 32. Between time t0 and t1 in FIG. 18, an output signal from motor control circuit 26 is provided to power amplifier 30, and an output voltage from power amplifier 30 is applied to coils 20 via switch 32, causing current I0 to flow through coils 20. After time t2, an output signal from motor control circuit 26 is provided to power amplifier 31, and an output voltage from power amplifier 31 is applied to coils 20 via switch 32, causing a current to flow through coils 20.

FIGS. 20 (a) to (c) are time charts showing another modification of the first embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 20 (a) to (c), in an initial state, shroud 11 of impeller 10 is in contact with the inner wall of blood chamber 7, and impeller 10 is in position PA. At time t0, a predetermined current I1 is fed through coils 20. That is, motor control circuit 26 outputs three-phase control signals in the power distribution system shifted by 120 degrees, for example. Power amplifier 27 amplifies the three-phase control signals from motor control circuit 26, and generates three-phase voltages VU, VV and VW shown in FIG. 14. Three-phase voltages VU, VV and VW are applied to first to third coils 20 described with reference to FIG. 13, respectively.

Accordingly, a rotating magnetic field is applied to impeller 10 by current I1. Current I1 is larger than current I0 in FIG. 18, and can activate impeller 10 to rotate even when shroud 11 of impeller 10 is in contact with the inner wall of blood chamber 7. After activation for rotation is confirmed, coil current I is reduced, and gradually increased to the predetermined rated value. In this manner, when impeller 10 is on the position PA side, a large current may be fed through coils 20 only when activating impeller 10 to rotate.

In addition, a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating may be formed on at least one of the surface of the inner wall of blood chamber 7 and the surface of diaphragm 6, and the surface of impeller 10. As a result, frictional force between impeller 10, and the inner wall of blood chamber 7 and diaphragm 6 can be reduced to smoothly activate impeller 10 to rotate. A fluorine-based resin coating, a paraxylylene-based resin coating or the like may be formed instead of the diamond-like carbon coating.

When the rigidity due to the hydrodynamic pressures by grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 becomes higher than the negative axial rigidity value of impeller 10 which is constituted of attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and magnetic element 18, impeller 10 and housing 2 are not in contact with each other. It is thus preferable to minimize this negative rigidity value. In order to keep the negative rigidity value low, it is preferable that the opposing surfaces of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 a are different in size and the opposing surfaces of permanent magnets 15 b and 16 b are different in size. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, by making the size of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b smaller than that of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, respectively, a rate of change in attractive force that varies with a distance between the magnets, namely, the negative rigidity can be minimized, thereby preventing reduction in supporting rigidity for the impeller.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of this first embodiment, which is compared to FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 22, in this modification, a magnetic element 35 is provided on a tip surface of each magnetic element 18 facing permanent magnet 17. A surface of magnetic element 35 facing permanent magnet 17 has an area larger than an area of the tip surface of magnetic element 18. In this modification, attractive force of magnetic elements 18 and 35 on permanent magnet 17 can be increased, thus increasing energy efficiency when impeller 10 is driven to rotate.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of this first embodiment, which is compared to FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 23, in this modification, yoke 19 is replaced with a yoke 36 and magnetic element 18 is replaced with a magnetic element 37. Yoke 36 and magnetic element 37 each include a plurality of steel plates stacked in a length direction of a rotation axis of impeller 10. In this modification, eddy current loss that occurs in yoke 36 and magnetic element 37 can be reduced, thus increasing energy efficiency when impeller 10 is driven to rotate.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 24, magnetic element 37 may be replaced with a magnetic element 38 including a plurality of steel plates stacked in a rotation direction of impeller 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25, magnetic element 37 may be replaced with a magnetic element 39 including a plurality of steel plates stacked in a radial direction of impeller 10. The same effect as in the modification in FIG. 23 can be obtained also in these cases.

Alternatively, each of yoke 19 and magnetic element 18 in FIG. 3 may be made of powders of pure iron, soft iron or ferrosilicon. In this case, iron loss in yoke 19 and magnetic element 18 can be reduced, thus increasing energy efficiency when impeller 10 is driven to rotate.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of this first embodiment, which is compared to FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 26, in this modification, magnetic element 18 has been removed. In this modification, magnitude of a resultant force of attractive force F1 between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force F2 between permanent magnet 17 and yoke 19 is adjusted to zero at central position P0 in the movable range of impeller 10 in blood chamber 7. The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained also in this modification.

FIGS. 27 (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing yet another modification of this first embodiment, which are compared to FIGS. 5 (a) and (b). FIG. 27 (a) is a cross-sectional view along the line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 27 (b). In this modification, the N pole of permanent magnet 15 a and the N pole of permanent magnet 15 b are provided in directions opposite to each other, and the N pole of permanent magnet 16 a and the N pole of permanent magnet 16 b are provided in directions opposite to each other. The S pole of permanent magnet 15 a faces the N pole of permanent magnet 16 a and the N pole of permanent magnet 15 b faces the S pole of permanent magnet 16 b. That is, heteropolar arrangement is implemented. The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained also in this modification.

In addition, in the modification in FIGS. 27 (a) and (b), when an interval between permanent magnets 15 a and 15 b (i.e., interval between permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b) is expressed as D1, ½ of a movable distance of impeller 10 in the radial direction (i.e., distance of a difference between the inner diameter of blood chamber 7 and the outer diameter of impeller 10) is expressed as D2, and the aforementioned amount of eccentricity is expressed as R, relation of D1>D2+R is satisfied. This is because, when impeller 10 moves in the radial direction to a maximum extent while relation of D1<D2+R is satisfied, permanent magnets 15 a and 16 b interfere with each other and permanent magnets 15 b and 16 a interfere with each other and hence returning force for returning impeller 10 to a central position of the pump becomes unstable.

As described with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) and (b) and FIGS. 27 (a) and (b), allowable interval D1 between permanent magnets 15 a and 15 b (i.e., interval between permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b) varies depending on polarity arrangement of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b. This is because depending on polarity arrangement, the degree of interference of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 b and the degree of interference of permanent magnets 15 b and 16 a vary, and the maximum amount of eccentricity at which loss of coupling occurs varies as shown in FIG. 28.

In other words, FIG. 28 is a diagram showing relation between an amount of eccentricity in centerline L2 of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and centerline L3 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and radial returning force of impeller 10. In FIG. 28, homopolar arrangement refers to a case where the N poles of two peimanent magnets 15 a and 15 b adjacent in the radial direction are oriented in the same direction and the N poles of two permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b adjacent in the radial direction are oriented in the same direction as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and (b). Heteropolar arrangement refers to a case where the N poles of two permanent magnets 15 a and 15 b adjacent in the radial direction are oriented in different directions and the N poles of two permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b adjacent in the radial direction are oriented in different directions as shown in FIGS. 27 (a) and (b).

As can be seen in FIG. 28, as the amount of eccentricity in centerline L2 of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and centerline L3 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b is increased, the radial returning force of impeller 10 temporarily rises, and then, falls. The radial returning force of impeller 10 in heteropolar arrangement is larger than the radial returning force of impeller 10 in homopolar arrangement. In addition, the amount of eccentricity at which a peak value appears in the case of heteropolar arrangement is larger than the amount of eccentricity at which a peak value appears in the case of homopolar arrangement. Therefore, the maximum amount of eccentricity at which loss of coupling occurs is larger in the case of heteropolar arrangement than in the case of homopolar arrangement.

A reason for this is considered as follows. In the case of heteropolar arrangement, in FIGS. 27 (a) and (b), when centerline L3 of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b relatively moves below centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, repulsion force is generated between the S pole of permanent magnet 15 a and the S pole of permanent magnet 16 b. This repulsion force increases the radial returning force of impeller 10. In contrast, in the case of homopolar arrangement, in FIGS. 5 (a) and (b), when centerline L3 of permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b relatively moves below centerline L2 of permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, attractive force is generated between the S pole of permanent magnet 15 a and the N pole of permanent magnet 16 b. This attractive force decreases the radial returning force of impeller 10. Therefore, the maximum amount of eccentricity at which loss of coupling occurs in heteropolar arrangement is larger than the maximum amount of eccentricity at which loss of coupling occurs in homopolar arrangement.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a pump unit of a centrifugal blood pump apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is compared to FIG. 3. In FIG. 29, in this pump unit, a plurality of (e.g., eight) permanent magnets 40 instead of the plurality of permanent magnets 17 are embedded in shroud 12 of impeller 10. The plurality of permanent magnets 40 are arranged at regular angular intervals along the same circle. In motor chamber 8, a plurality of (e.g., eight) permanent magnets 41 for attracting the plurality of permanent magnets 40 are provided. The plurality of permanent magnets 41 are arranged at regular angular intervals along the same circle to face the plurality of permanent magnets 40 in impeller 10.

The plurality of permanent magnets 41 are provided in a surface of a bowl-shaped rotor 42. A plurality of (e.g., eight) permanent magnets 43 are provided at regular angular intervals on an inner side of a circumference of rotor 42. The plurality of permanent magnets 43 are arranged at regular angular intervals along the same circle such that adjacent magnetic polarities thereof are different from each other. In other words, permanent magnet 43 having the N-pole toward the inside of rotor 42 and permanent magnet 43 having the S-pole toward the inside of rotor 42 are alternately arranged at regular angular intervals along the same circle.

A central portion of rotor 42 is rotatably supported by a central axis 45 with a bearing 44 being interposed, and rotor 42 is rotatably provided along diaphragm 6. Central axis 45 is provided to stand in a center of a disc-shaped yoke 46. A plurality of (e.g., nine) magnetic elements 47 are provided at regular angular intervals around central axis 45 on the surface of yoke 46. Tip ends of the plurality of magnetic elements 47 are arranged along the same circle, as facing the plurality of permanent magnets 43 in rotor 42. A coil 48 is wound around each magnetic element 47. The plurality of permanent magnets 43, the plurality of magnetic elements 47, and a plurality of coils 48 constitute a motor for rotating rotor 42. A rotation centerline of rotor 42, a rotation central point of the plurality of permanent magnets 41 and centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 match with one another.

Voltages are applied to nine coils 48 in a power distribution system shifted by 120 degrees, for example. Namely, nine coils 48 are divided into groups each including three coils. Voltages VU, VV and VW shown in FIG. 9 are applied to first to third coils 48 of each group, respectively. Thus, rotating magnetic field can be formed by applying voltages VU, VV and VW to first to third coils 48, respectively, and rotor 42 can be rotated by attractive force and repulsion force between the plurality of magnetic elements 47 and the plurality of permanent magnets 43 in rotor 42. As rotor 42 rotates, impeller 10 rotates as a result of attractive force from the plurality of permanent magnets 43 in rotor 42 and the plurality of permanent magnets 40 in impeller 10.

Here, when impeller 10 is rotating at a rated rotation speed, attractive force between permanent magnets 15 a, 15 b and permanent magnets 16 a, 16 b and attractive force between the plurality of permanent magnets 40 and the plurality of permanent magnets 41 are set to be balanced with each other substantially around the center of the movable range of impeller 10 in blood chamber 7. Thus, force acting on impeller 10 due to the attractive force is very small throughout the movable range of impeller 10. Consequently, frictional resistance during relative slide between impeller 10 and housing 2 which occurs when impeller 10 is activated to rotate can be lowered. In addition, a surface of impeller 10 and a surface of the inner wall of housing 2 are not damaged (no projections and recesses in the surfaces) during the relative slide, and moreover, impeller 10 is readily levitated from housing 2 without contacting even when hydrodynamic pressure is small during low-speed rotation.

In addition, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21 are formed in the surface of diaphragm 6 facing shroud 12 of impeller 10, and a plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 22 are formed in the inner wall of blood chamber 7 facing shroud 11. When a rotation speed of impeller 10 becomes higher than a prescribed rotation speed, a hydrodynamic bearing effect is produced between each of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22 and impeller 10. As a result, drag is generated on impeller 10 from each of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing 21, 22, causing impeller 10 to rotate without contacting in blood chamber 7.

In addition, as in the first embodiment, centerline L2 of permanent magnets 15 a and 16 a is arranged at a position different from that of centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 such that rotation centerline L3 of impeller 10 matches centerline L1 of the sidewall of blood chamber 7 during rotation of impeller 10. Therefore, high torque transmission efficiency can be obtained. The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained also in this second embodiment.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 pump unit; 2 housing; 3 body portion; 4 blood inlet port; 5 blood outlet port; 6 diaphragm; 7 blood chamber; 8 motor chamber; 10 impeller; 10 a through hole; 11, 12 shroud; 13 vane; 14 blood passage; 15 a, 15 b, 16 a, 16 b, 17, 40, 41, 43 permanent magnet; 18, 35, 37 to 39, 47 magnetic element; 19, 36, 46 yoke; 20, 48 coil; 21, 22 groove for hydrodynamic bearing; 25 controller; 26 motor control circuit; 27, 30, 31 power amplifier; 32 switch; 42 rotor; 44 bearing; 45 central axis 

1.-16. (canceled)
 17. A centrifugal pump apparatus including a housing having first and second chambers partitioned from each other by a diaphragm, an impeller rotatably provided in said first chamber along said diaphragm, for delivering liquid by centrifugal force during rotation, and a drive unit provided in said second chamber for driving said impeller to rotate with said diaphragm being interposed, comprising: a first magnetic element provided in one surface of said impeller; a second magnetic element provided in an inner wall of said first chamber facing the one surface of said impeller, for attracting said first magnetic element; and a third magnetic element provided in the other surface of said impeller and attracted by said drive unit, during rotation of said impeller, first attractive force acting on between said first and second magnetic elements and second attractive force acting on between said third magnetic element and said drive unit being balanced with each other substantially in a center of a movable range of said impeller in said first chamber, a first groove for hydrodynamic bearing being formed in one surface of said impeller or in the inner wall of said first chamber facing the one surface and a second groove for hydrodynamic bearing being formed in the other surface of said impeller or in said diaphragm facing the other surface, a sidewall of said first chamber facing a side surface of said impeller being formed cylindrically, and a centerline of said second magnetic element being arranged at a position different from that of a centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber such that a rotation centerline of said impeller matches the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber during rotation of said impeller.
 18. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the centerline of said second magnetic element is arranged at a position distant in a prescribed direction by a prescribed distance from the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber such that the rotation centerline of said impeller matches the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber during rotation of said impeller, and said prescribed distance is a distance over which, when the centerline of said second magnetic element is matched with the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber, the rotation centerline of said impeller moves in a direction opposite to said prescribed direction from the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber during rotation of said impeller.
 19. The centrifugal pump according to claim 17, further comprising a cylindrical liquid outlet port provided to extend in a tangential direction of the sidewall of said first chamber, for allowing said liquid to flow outside said housing from an opening provided in the sidewall of said first chamber, wherein the centerline of said second magnetic element is arranged on a side opposite to said opening when viewed from the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber, such that the rotation centerline of said impeller matches the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber during rotation of said impeller, and if the centerline of said second magnetic element is matched with the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber, the rotation centerline of said impeller moves in a direction of said opening during rotation of said impeller.
 20. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 19, wherein assuming that a direction of an end of said opening on an upstream side when viewed from the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber is defined as 0 degree and an opposite direction is defined as 180 degrees, the centerline of said second magnetic element is arranged within a range of 135 degrees to 225 degrees.
 21. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said drive unit includes a plurality of coils provided to face said third magnetic element, for generating rotating magnetic field, and a centerline of said rotating magnetic field matches the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber.
 22. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said drive unit includes a plurality of fourth magnetic elements provided to face said third magnetic element, and a plurality of coils wound around said plurality of fourth magnetic elements, for generating rotating magnetic field, and a centerline of said rotating magnetic field matches the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber.
 23. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said drive unit includes a rotor rotatably provided along said diaphragm in said second chamber, a fourth magnetic element provided in said rotor to face said third magnetic element, for attracting said third magnetic element, and a motor for rotating said rotor, and a centerline of said rotor matches the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber.
 24. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element includes a plurality of first sub magnetic elements aligned annularly.
 25. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 24, wherein each of said first and second magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, each of said plurality of first sub magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, and N poles of said plurality of first sub magnetic elements are oriented in a same direction.
 26. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element includes a plurality of annular second sub magnetic elements having diameters different from one another.
 27. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 26, wherein centerlines of said plurality of second sub magnetic elements match with one another.
 28. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 26, wherein each of said first and second magnetic elements includes said plurality of second sub magnetic elements, each of said plurality of second sub magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, and N poles of the plurality of second sub magnetic elements adjacent in a radial direction of said impeller are oriented in a same direction.
 29. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 28, wherein a sum of a distance between the centerline of said second magnetic element and the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber and ½ of a movable distance of said impeller in the radial direction in said first chamber is smaller than ½ of an interval between two adjacent second sub magnetic elements.
 30. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 26, wherein each of said first and second magnetic elements includes said plurality of second sub magnetic elements, each of said plurality of second sub magnetic elements is a permanent magnet, and N poles of two second sub magnetic elements adjacent in a radial direction of said impeller are oriented in different directions.
 31. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 30, wherein a sum of a distance between the centerline of said second magnetic element and the centerline of the sidewall of said first chamber and ½ of a movable distance of said impeller in the radial direction in said first chamber is smaller than an interval between two adjacent second sub magnetic elements.
 32. The centrifugal pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said liquid is blood, and said centrifugal pump apparatus is used for circulating said blood. 